Spring 2006 The Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club is a recreational hiking association of volunteers who preserve and improve the Appalachian Trail as the nation’s premier, continuous, long-distance footpath.

What’s Inside...

New Members...... 2 President’s Message...... 2 Trail Supervisor’s Report...... 2 Hike Reports ...... 3-6, 12-15 Hike Schedule...... 7-11 Corn Boil Info ...... 11 Membership Renewal ...... 15 Club Activities ...... 16 Contacting the RATC ...... 16

February 12, Buchanan-AT-Horse Tr. Loop

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TRAIL BLAZER CHANGE SERVICE NON-PROFIT Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club REQUESTED ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PO BOX 12282 P A I D ROANOKE VA 24024-2282 ROANOKE, VA PERMIT 509

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Welcome New Members

The Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club welcomes the following new members:

Dr. Cyrus Bakhit Joe Ciezkowski Kevin Jordan Jen Schaeffer Madeleine Taylor Rick & Sue Terrell

We look forward to meeting you soon - hiking on the trail, at work, social event, or a board meeting. Mervin Brower ______

President’s Message

The Tier 1 phase of the Draft Environmental Impact views from the AT, including impairments from air Statement has been issued for the improvements of pollution. The ATC and RATC are not really I-81. The Board of RATC has taken the position environmental organizations. We have the very that the study of all options should include a narrow focus of defending the Appalachian Trail, modern rail option. VDOT included an antique rail and do not address other environmental issues so option that could never be competitive. While we that we do not dilute our focus on our one issue. do not consider ourselves rail experts; none of us But on this huge project, the environmental are roadway experts either. But we do want VDOT degradation of a totally roadway solution will to study rail and develop some expertise before degrade the entire RATC section, and the entire making a decision that will have such an impact on segment of the AT. Bob Peckman ______

Thanks to Peggy Squires of Hampton Bays, NY for her contribution honoring a This is a good way to honor someone and also to help do our mission of maintaining the significant birthday of Irma S. Graf, AT Appalachian Trail. - Bob guidebook editor. And congratulations Irma. ______

Trail Supervisor’s Report

This spring we hope to finish the north end of the hope to finish and open. The next two will be in the Angel's Gap relocation (a small and separate piece of the Angel's Rest area and scheduled for June 29-July 3 and entire project) in April. In May, we will spend two days July 20-24. Here we will put in another switchback or working in the Stony Creek-Bailey Gap-Mountain Lake two and do some rehab work on the existing trail. As for area. Much of the trail there needs re-blazing, so we are my annual predictions, let's be optimistic and have 30 hoping for good weather. In June and July the people work with the crews and 15 earn T-shirts. As Konnarock crews will make three visits. The first will be always your presence on work-hikes is welcome. June 8-12 on the Pearis Mountain relocation, which we Charles Parry Spring 2006 www.ratc.org RATC TRAIL BLAZER - 3

Hike Reports

Sunday, December 11, 2005 8:30AM Rock Greenway. We still had to watch our footing Sawtooth Ridge Work Hike because the trail was a mixture of clear areas, slush Charles Parry (leader), Laurie Adkins (assistant and sheets of ice. Four of us hiked to the parking lot leader), Roger Holnback, Anne Howard, Bob at the other end, and there was Zetta, all bundled up Stimson, Jerry Kyle, Bill Gordge, Maurice Turner, starting from there. She thought she had missed us at Fred Coughlan, Dana Helsley, Mike Vaughn, Kerry the Orange Market end. She joined us on the way Wood, Teresa Martinez, Roanoke College La Crosse back. Even though it was very cold and some sleet Team Members: Mike Treon, James Elkin, Jason was coming down we all had very fun time. Remmel, Joey Shoemaker, Chris Keating, Brock Carders, Dr. Saunders, Rob Clement, Jake Sunday, December 18, 2005 10:00AM Manewiter, Jack Ryan, Dick Diggler, Dave May, Jennings Creek (Rt. 614) to Bryant Ridge Shelter Mike Jones, Chad Magreutar, Jim Long, Mike Kenny Garrett (leader), Carl Cornett, Carl Bagby, Smith, Joe Smith, Andy Teeling, Nick Bennveligk, Ethan Tabor, Maya Bohler, Larry Austin & Gary Roger Peterson, Preston Garrett, Henry Albert Disbrow

How long does it take 35 people to dig 500 feet of The idea for this hike came about while taking a new trail? Answer: about 3 hours. The La Crosse break at Bryant Ridge Shelter on an earlier hike this Team got caught having a beer party and smashing year. We decided that the hike was too long for an bottles on the trail in October. For discipline, they afternoon hike with the short winter days, but too had to spend a day working on the trail. When this short for an all day hike. So the solution was to meet hike was originally scheduled for McAfee’s Knob, I at 10:00 in the morning to begin the brave winter anticipated about half a dozen workers, which would expedition for seven wanderers. have been plenty for the work in that area. When I learned that we would have over 20 members of the Upon arriving at the trail head, we immediately La Crosse Team, I realized that we needed to change encountered snow and ice on the trail. We observed sites. The easiest way to keep a large group of the footprints of a man and his dog in the snow for inexperienced trail workers busy for a few hours is the first half mile or so. We also saw the prints in with side hill digging. We have plenty of that in the the snow of deer, rabbit, bear, turkey, and unknown Pearisburg area, but I thought it best to stay closer to other winter animals along the trail. We enjoyed a Roanoke. Anyway, Teresa and I decided to relocate peaceful walk alongside the creeks through virgin the trail around one of the small knobs that the trail snow. The snow was frozen solid on the north side went over on Sawtooth Ridge. We went out of the ridge, which made for humorous hiking and Thanksgiving time and flagged it. It turned out to be sliding. Upon arrival to Bryant Ridge Shelter, we all an ideal project for the group. After the team left, the settled in for an hour-long break. There was 4+ club members worked a couple of extra hours taking inches of snow around the shelter. We heated water out rocks, closing the old trail and doing some fine on the single burner stove, and all enjoyed hot cider, tuning. It was a bit cold for blazing that day, so Fred hot chocolate, or coffee (along with numerous came back a few days later and blazed. He also snacks). There was much laughter and story telling found a Pulaski that had been left behind. as the explorers reveled in tales of their many conquests. After the long rest, we loaded our trash Sunday, December 11, 2005 1:00PM back into our packs and made the return trip over the Lee Hollow (Rt. 621) to Niday Shelter icy Fork Mountain. The sky was crystal clear and we Georgia Gallaher & Jean Warren (co-leaders), Maya enjoyed views of the Peaks, Harkening Hill, Apple Bohler, Carl Cornett, Zetta Campbell. Orchard Mountain, and other beautiful mountains around. Upon completing our trek at the snow- It was decided due to the ice and snow that still covered parking lot, we agreed this would be a great lingered on the roads and trails, even in the lower winter hike to keep on the schedule. areas, that we would cancel the hike. Jean came up with a great idea to still meet at the Orange Market at Hanging Rock, but instead to hike on the Hanging Spring 2006 www.ratc.org RATC TRAIL BLAZER - 4

Sunday, January 1, 2006 9:00AM nice cloistered area surrounded by giant granite Catawba Mountain ( Rt. 311 ) to McAfee Knob boulders at Devil's Kitchen, a massive rock and Lunch formation and natural maze near McAfee's Knob. In Kris Peckman (leader), Maya Bohler (assistant), keeping with the location, many of the dishes had a Larry Austin, Diana Christopulos, Carl Cornett, "devilish" theme (e.g., deviled dates, devil nuts, Linda King, Karl Kunkel, Mark McClain, Fred satanic hummus). Carl, who was planning to spend Meyer, Maurice Turner the night at one of the shelters, provided the stoves which we used to heat soup and water for cocoa and What a lucky hike leader I am! Not only was the tea. After a two-hour hike in 40-degree weather, a weather perfect, the participants jolly, and the bowl of that soup really hit the spot. In the ten years scenery fabulous, but one of the participants even that I've been associated with the A.T., I have to say offered to write the hike report. This was Karl I've never had a tastier meal in such a unique and Kunkel's first time hiking to McAfee's Knob, so he scenic setting. I really do hope this was a "first was inspired to write about it. Following are annual" event. I was very impressed with the ability excerpts from Karl's report (edited only to save of some of our fellow hikers to take cuisine skills to paper and ink): the next level, under some pretty taxing circumstances. Larry, for example, made pear I can't think of a better way to begin a new year than "tartlettes" out of pie dough he had made himself, to spend the day getting fresh air, exercise and good filling the shells with pear filling he had made food with a group of friends -- and to do it at one of himself and packing it up to Devil's Kitchen. When the most famous and photographed sites along the lunch was served, he meticulously added a dollop of Appalachian Trail. whipped cream (that he, of course, made himself) and sprinkled slivers of toasted almonds atop each That's what I did on New Year's Day. Ten of us tartlette. If your usual hiker lunch is anything like participated in a seven-mile hike (total, out and my peanut-butter-and-honey sandwich and an apple back) from the trailhead at VA 311 to McAfee's with a few swigs of Gatorade, you can imagine how Knob. pleasantly surprised I was to get to McAfee's Knob and walk into a granite-walled five-star restaurant like this. Pretty amazing!

Following this excellent meal, Kris led us on an exploration of the labyrinthine Devil's Kitchen, with its many twists and turns that ultimately led us to the underside of the McAfee's Knob ledge.

Kris and Maya did a great job of putting this event together, and I hope the RATC members think about doing similar next New Year's Day!

Sunday, January 1, 2006 1:00PM

Now you know why it is called the Devil’s Kitchen Mill Mountain Star Trail Sue Scanlin (leader), John R. Miller (assistant To ring in the New Year, the hike leaders decided to leader), Georgia Gallaher, Linda Sutton, Marianne have a potluck lunch at the Knob. The event was Demkó & Dana Helsley intriguing enough for me to drive over two hours from High Point, NC, to it and for Fred to drive even Soon after four of us had started up the trail, we further, from Charleston, WV. Each individual were joined by Dana. It was an overcast day at the prepared or bought something beforehand, stuck it in beginning but before we got to the Star, the sun had his/her pack, and hiked up the mountain with it. come out and it stayed out the rest of the afternoon. Two of the hikers, Carl and Larry, hiked That, the congenial group, and the exceptionally considerably faster than most of us and had two clear view from the overlook made for a perfect hike stoves going and an impressive buffet arrangement to start out the new year. We followed Dana’s set up by the time we got to the top. They found a suggestion to return to the parking lot via Prospect Spring 2006 www.ratc.org RATC TRAIL BLAZER - 5

Road and the “Car Trail”. The work that had been As nine of us were pulling out from the meeting done on the Car Trail was admired by all. Even the place at Hanging Rock OM, Bob and Kris showed old car was propped up against a tree to allow for a up and took Sue as a passenger to Dragon’s Tooth better look at it from the trail. Isn’t it funny how parking lot. There David and Margarita with their some discarded – albeit not in an environmentally canine companion Catcher joined us. While there friendly manner – or abandoned large piece of litter still were some ice patches left on the trail, it was a can eventually turn into sort of a landmark that nice day for a hike with the sun shining and the wind continues to provoke thoughts about what could blowing (not as forcefully as the previous day). have happened to make it end up there? Does anyone out there know the real story? During the ascent, our baker’s dozen soon spread out. By the time the tail end of the group reached the Sunday, January 8, 2006 9:00AM AT, the fast group had left a note that they had Bobblets Gap-Hammond Hollow Loop proceeded towards the top. Carol already had Larry Austin (leader), H. R. Blankenship, Carl backtracked to the parking lot earlier, while Jean, Cornett, Dick Moran, John Miller, Shelley Himel, Zetta and Suzanne decided at this point to go north Charlie Scharnberg, Maya Bohler, Maurice Turner, on the AT and then back to the parking lot via the Kris Peckman, Bob Peckman Boy Scout Trail. Sue tried to catch up with the fast group. Just before reaching the top, she met David Mike Ferguson was unable to co-lead due to being and Margarita on their way back down. The view under the weather. The had from the top was as clear as can be; after the just reopened the latter part of the week before the previous day’s rain and strong winds, that was no hike, so we were able to commence the hike at the wonder but wonderful. The remaining seven reached Bobletts Gap Overlook. We descended the the parking lot around 4:45pm. mountain via Chair Rock Road and then headed south on the Glenwood Horse Trail to its junction Sunday, January 15, 2006 9:00AM with the Hammond Hollow Trail. The Hammond Johns Creek (Rt. 632) to Johns Creek Mountain Hollow Trail provided a good work-out since we Trail (Rt. 658) were climbing back up to the AT. We stopped for Hike was cancelled. lunch at a rock outcropping on the Hammond Hollow Trail. The day was quite beautiful for Sunday, January 22, 2006 8:30AM January with temperatures in the low 50's. After Tinker Ridge Work Hike reaching the AT, we only had a 3/4 mile walk back Charles Parry (leader), Mike Vaughn (assistant to Bobletts Gap. Since this was only a 5.8 mile hike leader), Bob Peckman, Mary Harshfield, Kris we were able to complete it around 1:00 p.m. Peckman, Dana Helsley, Fred Coughlan, Mervin Brower & Homer Witcher Sunday, January 8, 2006 1:00PM Catawba Mountain ( Rt. 311 ) to McAfee Knob It was cloudy and cool, but dry when we met at Ed Wallace (leader), Bobbie Stitcher (assistant Tinker Creek. The steep hike up the gas line was a leader), Georgia Shaurette, Jena Siohu, Rebecca good wake up call. Fortunately, it is not too long. Reiff & Argo (k9) We planned to work on the north end of the Angel’s Gap today. Most of the planned relocation is south I guess not a bad turnout considering the club of the gap, but the small part we were working on is scheduled the same hike last week. No flora. No on the north side of the gap. When we got up there, fauna. Temperature was a bit on the chilly side. the new route still had to be flagged. I had walked it once, but that was well over a year ago and my Sunday, January 15, 2006 1:00PM memory was less than perfect. After a couple of false Dragon's Tooth Parking to Dragon's Tooth starts and a bit of exploration, we figured out where Sue Scanlin (leader), Jean Warren (assistant leader), the trail needed to go. We then got it flagged in short Carol Crosby, Maya Bohler, Mike Leahy, Dick order. The start of the trail was quite rocky and Moran, Josh Graham, Suzanne Barnett, Zetta several of us worked the rest of the day in that area. Campbell, Bob Peckman, Kris Peckman, Margarita We started the day with only two picks, but sent Cubas, David Bowers and Catcher Merv back for two more in the early afternoon. We realized that rock bars would have been helpful, but I Spring 2006 www.ratc.org RATC TRAIL BLAZER - 6 did not bring any. The others cleared brush, raked to fall, but luckily did not get torrential until we were the new trail and did some side hill digging. By leaving the parking lot. afternoon it became apparent that we would not Sunday, January 29, 2006 9:00AM finish the project that day and would need to come Lee Hollow (Rt. 621) to Trout Creek (Rt. 620) back. Therefore, I plan to schedule an April work 113-Mile Hike # 7 hike out there to finish job. About 3:30 it started to Maurice Turner (leader), Carl Cornett, John Miller rain a rather cold rain, so we decided to call it quits & Larry Austin for the day. It was raining when we drove to Rt. 620 at Rt. 621 Sunday, January 22, 2006 1:00PM leaving one car and beginning our hike at Lee Carvin’s Cove Boat Launch to Cemetery Hollow. It was a light rain on and off most of the Georgia Gallaher (leader), Carl Cornett (co-leader), morning; you could see that most of the rain was Don Hoke, Sherry Kessel, Dave Sutton & Linda hitting the Sinking Creek side to the NW and to Sutton the SW it appeared clear. Carl and Larry found a At first Carl and I worried that no one would show lunch spot somewhat out of the wind and up for this hike due to a forecast of colder occasional light rain. When we began our descent temperatures and rain for the day, then right at 1PM to Trout Creek, the skies cleared with sunshine in four hikers drove into the parking lot. Some of us did the early afternoon. John pointed out a rainbow add a few more layers of clothes before we started. toward where we left our vehicle and Sinking The weather stayed good through most of our hike, Creek Mountain. We walked the road from the and we had a very enjoyable time. Carl took pictures AT crossing back to the car, stopping on the way and Don showed us one of the tunnels that runs to share some of our goodies with the two horses through the Carvin’s Cove land. The hiking distance in the nearby pasture; they seemed to like the was closer to 5 miles. During the last half mile we treats with one horse smiling showing us his nice heard a loud continuous rumbling noise which I later brown colored teeth. We finished the hike by 1:15 determined was indeed thunder. A light rain started with most of the afternoon to do other things. It was a wonderful hike.

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Hike Schedule

Going on a group hike can fulfill a number of Sunday, April 2, 2006 8:30AM worthwhile purposes. These include such Apple Orchard Mountain Loop things as physical conditioning, social 10.8 miles, Moderate-Strenuous, $3.00 carpool fee 33 miles from Roanoke interaction, the enjoyment of nature, and the thrill of reaching a spectacular viewpoint. The Hike begins at the Sunset Field Overlook on Blue Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club consistently Ridge Parkway and uses the AT over Apple tries to provide a wide range of hiking Orchard Mountain passing the Guillotine, crosses opportunities for people of all ages, interests the BRPW and descends an old gated road down and abilities. Guests are always welcome to to the Glenwood Horse Trail. We’ll head south on join us. the Horse Trail to the old site of Camp Kewanzee and back up to BRPW at Sunset Field. Good views on the Horse Trail and on Apple Orchard For the most part, we rate our hikes as follows: Mountain. Larry Austin 254-2092 Easy – 3 to 5 miles; good trails or old roads; Michael J. Vaughn 992-1350 modest elevation changes. Moderate – 5 to 8 miles; steeper trails which Sunday, April 2, 2006 1:00PM may be rough in places. Andy Layne Trail ( Rt. 779 ) to Tinker Cliffs Strenuous – 8 miles and up; long hikes with 7.2 miles, Moderate, $1.00 carpool fee 9 miles from Roanoke extensive climbs and possible rough trails or bushwhacking. Located in Botetourt County, the trailhead for this hike is on Route 779 roughly halfway between Hikes which do not fall neatly into one of Catawba and Daleville. In 2001, this trail was these categories may be rated easy-moderate dedicated to Andy Layne – a prominent member or moderate-strenuous. of RATC who passed away in 1991. The hike crosses meadows and Catawba Creek and then You may drive your own car to the trailhead if starts the ascent to Scorched Earth Gap where it continues on the AT to Tinker Cliffs. Many spots you wish. However, carpooling is encouraged along the cliffs offer excellent views of McAfee to save gasoline and because trailhead parking Knob and the Catawba Valley. may be limited. The hike leader is responsible Sue Scanlin 989-0497 for arranging such carpooling as may be Jean Warren 384-6229 required. While there is no fee to hike with the club, the indicated amount is to defray Sunday, April 9, 2006 8:00AM automobile expenses and should be given to Angel's Gap on Tinker Ridge the driver of your carpool. Some miles, Moderate, $0.00 carpool fee 0 miles from Roanoke

You will need to call the leader to find out Finish a short relocation. where the hiking group will be meeting. If Charles Parry 540-951-1402 you are new to hiking, the leader can also Michael J. Vaughn 992-1350 give advice about clothing, footwear, and equipment. If you are unfamiliar with the Sunday, April 9, 2006 1:00PM hike, the leader will be glad to answer your Jennings Creek (Rt. 614) to Bryant Ridge Shelter questions and help you evaluate whether or 5.9 miles, Moderate, $2.00 carpool fee not it is suitable for you. 23 miles from Roanoke

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Located in Botetourt County not far from Arcadia shelter on one side and great views on the other – and Buchanan. for those willing to scramble to the top. Mervin & Blanche Brower 387-9732 Gary Bible 977-2954 Mike Ferguson 344-8525 Maya Bohler 344-6588

Saturday, April 15, 2006 8:00AM Sunday, April 30, 2006 11:00AM Torry Ridge-Sherando Lake-White Rock Falls Forge Mountain Loop 6.0 miles, Strenuous, $5.50 carpool fee 9.5 miles, Moderate-Strenuous, $6.50 carpool fee 56 miles from Roanoke 69 miles from Roanoke The hike is located in Rockbridge County.The The hike is located in Augusta County. trailhead is in the Goshen Pass area near Dick Clark 989-7053 Lexington. There is a high scenic ridge with cliffs Maurice Turner 334-2128 and very unusual rock formations. An old trail description, borrowing words from Dante's Sunday, April 16, 2006 1:00PM Inferno, warns "Abandon all hope, ye who enter Catawba Mountain ( Rt. 311 ) to Sandstone here". This is something of an exaggeration. Ridge ( Rt. 624 ) However parts of the trail are very steep and there 5.9 miles, Moderate, $1.00 carpool fee are stream crossings if a loop hike is attempted. 6 miles from Roanoke Charles Musgrove 540-345-7969 Dick Moran 389-3744 The hike is in Roanoke County, west of Salem. It follows Sawtooth Ridge with, as the name implies, Sunday, April 30, 2006 1:00PM lots of ups and downs, then winds through open Chestnut Ridge Trail meadows across Catawba Valley, to a final climb 5.4 miles, Easy-Moderate, $0.00 carpool fee over Sandstone Ridge and down to Route 624. 0 miles from Roanoke Bobbie Stitcher 397-2760 Jean Warren 384-6229 The hike is located 4 miles from Roanoke and 1 mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a 5.4-mile Sunday, April 23, 2006 11:00AM figure-eight course around the Roanoke Sinking Creek(RT 630) to Johns Creek(RT Campground behind Mill Mountain. The trail is 632) 113-Mile Hike # 9 well graded and surrounded by woods. 8.2 miles, Moderate-Strenuous, $5.00 carpool fee Georgia Gallaher 345-8700 41 miles from Roanoke Dave Sutton 774-0648

The hike is located in Craig County. Sunday, May 7, 2006 8:00AM Kenny Garrett 537-5347 John R. Miller 375-3250 10.0 miles, Strenuous, $8.00 carpool fee 88 miles from Roanoke Sunday, April 23, 2006 1:00PM Daleville (Rt. 220) to Hay Rock This hike is in Augusta County west of Staunton 8.0 miles, Moderate, $0.00 carpool fee near Buffalo Gap. It is the site of an old radio 0 miles from Roanoke tower and will be an up and back hike. Elliott's Knob is at an elevation of 4,458 feet. Although Located in Botetourt County north of Roanoke. there are good views all along the trail, the summit Except for a short feeder trail (old A.T.), the route provides stunning views, and there are two old follows the Appalachian Trail to Hay Rock and growth groves of red spruce trees which is not back again. There are several good overlooks common in our area. along the way, but the best one is at Hay Rock. Larry Austin 254-2092 This overhanging chunk of sandstone provides Maurice Turner 334-2128

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Sunday, May 7, 2006 1:00PM Sunday, May 21, 2006 8:00AM Falls Ridge Rockfish Gap (I64) to Dripping Rock (BRP) 5.0 miles, Moderate, $2.00 carpool fee 14.6 miles, Strenuous, $8.00 carpool fee 20 miles from Roanoke 79 miles from Roanoke

The hike is located in Montgomery County, Hike provides views of Rockfish Valley and southeast of Blacksburg in Falls Ridge Preserve. southern summits of Shenandoah National Park. Part of a steep, rugged ridge that rises from the Hike will pass by Humpback Rocks with a side valley of the North Fork of the Roanoke River, trail of 800 feet to the rocks. Will have a car Falls Ridge Preserve boasts a spring-fed travertine shuttle of approximately 10 miles. waterfall approximately 80 feet in height. Salem Larry Austin 254-2092 Fault runs through the preserve, dividing it into Michael J. Vaughn 992-1350 two different rock types: Precambrian limestone and shale/sandstone. The corresponding difference Sunday, May 21, 2006 1:00PM in soil types generates a diversity of vegetation, Crabtree Falls particularly wildflowers and smaller flora. 5.8 miles, Moderate, $6.50 carpool fee Bobbie Stitcher 397-2760 68 miles from Roanoke

Kenny Garrett 537-5347 The hike is located in Nelson County, and follows Crabtree Creek, with scenic overlooks at the five Sunday, May 14, 2006 8:00AM major cascades, which with a number of smaller House Mountains, Big and Little ones, have a total fall of 1,200 feet. 9.1 miles, Strenuous, $4.50 carpool fee Jean Warren 384-6229 48 miles from Roanoke Georgia Gallaher 345-8700 Located in Rockbridge County west of Lexington. Purchased for preservation by the Rockbridge Saturday, May 27, 2006 8:00AM Area Conservation Council (RACC) in 1989, the Mountain Lake Bailey Gap area 800+ acres including the tops of Big House and Some miles, Moderate, $4.00 carpool fee Little House Mountain, and the saddle between 50 miles from Roanoke them, contain numerous species of plants and Clipping, blazing, and blow-down removal. provide views of the Rockbridge County Charles Parry 540-951-1402 countryside. We will follow the 2-mile woods Cantrill , Hal 387-2347 road to the saddle, hike another mile to the cliffs of Big House Mountain, then return to the saddle Sunday, May 28, 2006 8:00 AM and take the Little House Mountain trail which Mountain Lake Bailey Gap area involves a climb followed by a lovely ridge walk. Some miles, Moderate, $4.00 carpool fee Kris Peckman 366-7780 50 miles from Roanoke Gary Bible 977-2954 Clipping, blazing, and blow-down removal. Sunday, May 14, 2006 1:00PM Charles Parry 540-951-1402 Dragon's Tooth Parking to Dragon's Tooth Cantrill , Hal 387-2347 5.2 miles, Moderate, $1.00 carpool fee 9 miles from Roanoke Sunday, May 28, 2006 1:00PM Catawba Mountain ( Rt. 311 ) to Dragon’s Located on Cove Mountain near the Craig and Tooth Parking Lot, 113-Mile Hike # 5 Roanoke County line, the hike to Dragon's Tooth 8.9 miles, Moderate, $1.00 carpool fee ascends steep, rugged outcrops of quartzite which 6 miles from Roanoke form the spine of Cove Mountain. A difficult hike, Dragon's Tooth summit offers magnificent The hike begins at the 311 parking lot – just 15 views of nearby and distant peaks year-round. minutes from Roanoke. The Appalachian Trail is Michael J. Vaughn 992-1350 followed south over the many humps of Catawba Sue Scanlin 989-0497 Mountain before dropping down to the open fields of Beckner’s Gap. Between Routes 785 and 624, Spring 2006 www.ratc.org RATC TRAIL BLAZER - 10 the trail crosses Sandstone Ridge. Beyond 624 the We will relocate about 1/2 mile of trail near the trail heads uphill past the Boy Scout Trail and powerline crossing south of Pearisburg. continues to Lost Spectacles Gap where a blue- Charles Parry 540-951-1402 blazed trail leads down to the Dragon’s Tooth Kris Peckman 366-7780 parking lot. John R. Miller 375-3250 Sunday, June 11, 2006 1:00PM Joyce Fisher 362-1143 Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve 6.0 miles, Moderate, $3.00 carpool fee Sunday, June 4, 2006 8:00AM 30 miles from Roanoke Trout Creek (RT 620) to Lee Hollow (RT 621) 113-Mile Hike #7 The hike is located in Franklin County, just 7.6 miles, Moderate, $2.00 carpool fee outside the town of Rocky Mount at the Grassy 15 miles from Roanoke Hill Natural Area Preserve, owned and managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation & Located in Craig and a little bit of Roanoke Recreation. This hike will traverse Grassy Hill County, the hike on Brush Mt. includes the Audie which is a formation composed of ancient volcanic Murphy Monument, a tribute to the most rocks rich in magnesium. Hikers will get to see a decorated soldier of WWII, who died in a plane mixture of habitats including areas that support crash on this very mountain rare plants. Mervin & Blanche Brower 387-9732 Maurice Turner 334-2128 Gary Bible 977-2954 Suzanne Barnett 772-4273

Sunday, June 4, 2006 1:00PM Sunday, June 18, 2006 1:00PM Hoop Hole, Lower Loop Price Mountain, Sulphur Ridge Loop 4.0 miles, Easy, $2.50 carpool fee 4.9 miles, Moderate, $1.50 carpool fee 28 miles from Roanoke 15 miles from Roanoke

Located in Botetourt County, the hike makes a Located along the border of Craig and Botetourt loop by following two delightfully wild streams: County, about 15 miles north of Roanoke, this Hipes Branch and Stony Run. Both of these pass loop hike offers a great sense of isolation for being through high canyons and have plenty of cascades so close to Roanoke. The trailhead begins on VA and deep pools. While there is little change in 606 and descends for one mile into a quiet valley. elevation, there are many stream crossings – some After a creek crossing, the route climbs to the top of which may be tricky if the water is high. of Price Mountain on the Sulphur Ridge Trail. At Bobbie Stitcher 397-2760 the crest of the mountain, the route turns right onto John R. Miller 375-3250 the Price Mountain Trail. The trail then descends along the ridgeline, with views into the Craig Saturday, June 10, 2006 8:00AM Creek valley, to return to the trailhead. Pearis Mountain Relocation with Konnarock Michael J. Vaughn 992-1350 Some miles, Moderate, $6.00 carpool fee Sue Scanlin 989-0497 63 miles from Roanoke Sunday, June 25, 2006 8:00AM We will relocate about 1/2 mile of trail near the Pine Swamp (Rt. 635) to New River (Rt. 460) powerline crossing south of Pearisburg. 19.5 miles, Strenuous, $6.50 carpool fee Charles Parry 540-951-1402 58 miles from Roanoke Fred Coughlan 387-2331 Locted in Giles County Virginia and Monroe Sunday, June 11, 2006 8:00AM County West Virginia, this is a lengthy hike on the Pearis Mountain Relocation with Konnarock Appalachian Trail, which traverses a portion of the Some miles, Moderate, $6.00 carpool fee long ridge of . Along the ridge 63 miles from Roanoke top, which roughly forms the Virginia-West Spring 2006 www.ratc.org RATC TRAIL BLAZER - 11

Virginia border, there is little change in elevation. Saturday, July 1, 2006 8:00AM Both the ascent and the descent, however, are Angel's Rest Rehab with Konnarock Crew rather steep. Two open areas along the ridge – Some miles, Moderate, $5.00 carpool fee Symms Gap and, especially, Rice Field – offer 60 miles from Roanoke views and excellent spots for breaks or lunch. Kenny Garrett 537-5347 We will add some new switchbacks and rock work Linda R. King 342-2411 on the trail between Pearisburg and Angel's Rest. Charles Parry 540-951-1402 Sunday, June 25, 2006 1:00PM Dana Helsley 977-4154 Catawba Mountain ( Rt. 311 ) to McAfee Knob 7.4 miles, Moderate, $0.50 carpool fee Sunday, July 2, 2006 8:00AM 6 miles from Roanoke Angel's Rest Rehab with Konnarock Crew Some miles, Moderate, $5.00 carpool fee Located west of Salem in Roanoke County, the 60 miles from Roanoke hike follows the Appalachian Trail up and back. Extensive cliffs at the top afford unparalleled We will add some new switchbacks and rock work views of both the Catawba Valley and the city of on the trail between Pearisburg and Angel's Rest. Roanoke. Charles Parry 540-951-1402 Carl Bagby 540-461-9933 Kris Peckman 366-7780 Joyce Fisher 362-1143

Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club Annual Summer Cornboil

At Green Hill Park, Salem, Va. Saturday, July 22, 2006 Music and Food 6-9 PM

Bring a covered dish (big enough for the Konnarock Crew) Spring 2006 www.ratc.org RATC TRAIL BLAZER - 12

Hike Reports (Continued)

Jacquelin and Linda in the parking lot of the falls. Sunday, January 29, 2006 1:00PM The trail was barely covered by the snow showers Lipes Branch Trail but quite lovely to walk on. We reached the falls Dave Wickersham (leader), that’s all! flowing with lots of water and there we had a snack. As we returned on the shorter trail we could Life is filled with difficult questions like: “What see the top of the falls, which looked like a gentle came first, the chicken or the egg?” Or more to the pool of water before flowing over the rocks and point: “If the leader hikes solo, is it an official into the water below. We returned on Va. 42 to RATC outing?” New Castle and Va. 311 to the Orange Market. It was a beautiful drive back to Roanoke and a great Seriously, you missed a dandy hike folks, although hike on a cold winter day. I understand why you stayed home. The weather report called for rain, and rain it did. I drove Sunday, February 12, 2006 9:00AM through the last of it though on the way there and Buchanan Trail-AT-Horse Trail loop by the time I arrived at the trailhead it was a Larry Austin (leader), Bob Peckman, Kris gloriously sunny and balmy 60-degree day. Peckman and Maurice Turner

The trail is located in the Barbours Creek There are rare occasions when you have a Wilderness. It climbs 1745 feet to the top of Potts beautiful snowfall on Saturday with the Mountain and is one of the longest sustained opportunity to hike in it on Sunday. This was one climbs on any trail in the Roanoke vicinity – a of those occasions. The roads were just fine and great aerobic workout. The hike to the top took 75 walking in a winter wonderland was certainly not minutes. After a 10 minute break, the return to the an obstacle for the four of us. The temperature trailhead took 60 minutes. remained in the mid-30's throughout the hike but And a good time was had by all! we all were plenty warm. You have to dress for it. It's too bad more did not take advantage of this Sunday, February 5, 2006 8:00AM incredible adventure into the magical forest where Jenny Knob (Rt.611) to Kimberling Creek (Rt. every tree, branch, twig, rock, blade of grass 606) and everything else exposed to the storm were Gary Bible (leader), Carl Cornett (assistant), Larry delightfully painted in snowflakes. The evergreen Austin, Maya Bohler, Hugh Hull trees graciously cascaded to the ground in cone- like shapes elaborately decorated in a white It was a rather cool breezy morning but just right splendor. All the hardwood trees' branches and for a steady hiking clip with Carl and Larry limbs took on unusual forms and shapes as the pulling the group. We finally stopped for lunch in new snow clung to them for support. We an area with a little protection from the wind. This endeavored to capture the beauty in photographs was Hugh's first hike with the club. He must have but nothing is quite like experiencing it in person. thought this was a work hike as he removed fallen We ran into some areas where the snow was 7 to 8 branches along the entire route! Charles needs to inches deep and other areas where it was not more draft this fella for his regular maintenance crew. than 3 to 4 inches. It gave us a great workout. We This was a delightful trip and enjoyed by all. spotted a number of critter footprints in the snow, including deer, bobcat (we think), fox, turkey, Sunday, February 5, 2006 1:00PM squirrel, various songbirds and we smelled a Cascades skunk in one area but did not actually see it. We Bobbie Stitcher (leader), Linda Akers, Ethan and had fabulous views of the mountains to the west, Jaquelin Tabor, Madeleine Taylor and Lucy, Jean north and east, including Flat Top, Sharp Top, Warren and Beverly Williamson Harkening Hill, Purgatory, and Apple Orchard. In one area of the Glenwood Horse Trail (which once On the drive to the Cascades on U.S. 460 we went was the AT), we spotted a large green thing through many snow showers. We met Ethan, hanging in a large oak tree. When we got to it and Spring 2006 www.ratc.org RATC TRAIL BLAZER - 13 looked up, it was mistletoe. Something you don't rocks into a temporary location to make a see a lot of anymore. We hiked along a couple of reasonable working surface that would last until beautiful streams, one on the Buchanan Trail our next work-hike. where we were engulfed in beauty all around. We completed the hike along Cove Creek with lovely Sunday, February 19, 2006 1:00PM cascading waterfalls near the end. Exiting the trail Daleville (Rt. 220) to Mtn. Pass Road (Rt. 652) on a footbridge over Jennings Creek, we were Mervin & Blanche Brower (leaders), Carl Cornett, once again rewarded with a great view of flowing Kathy Brown, Les Brown and Lyn Jacoby water with snow covering rocks and trees along its banks. Hot chocolate and brownies awaited us as The hike started from Daleville commuter parking we returned to the vehicle. lot. The day was bright and sunny but on the cool side which made it great for hiking. Our group was well matched; we stayed together, as we hiked over to Rt. 652 and back in 2 hours. We were all surprised by our speed.

Sunday, February 26, 2006 8:00AM Lee Hollow (Rt. 621) to Sarver Hollow Kenny Garrett and Charlie Scharnberg (leaders), Jen Schaeffer, H.R. Blankenship, Shelley Himel, Carl Cornett, Gary Bible

The day started off a little cool, but we warmed up as the climb up Sinking Creek Mountain began. A You missed an unforgettable event. quick stop at Niday Shelter, then the climb to the ridge had everyone in the target heart range. The Sunday, February 12, 2006 1:00PM total climb was approximately 2,000 feet in the Price Mountain, Sulphur Ridge Loop first four miles of our stroll. A few passing clouds Snowed out dotted the otherwise clear blue sky. The views of Craig Creek Valley to the south and Sinking Creek Sunday, February 19, 2006 8:30AM Valley to the north were amazing. The greenbriers Sawtooth Work Hike were beginning to sprout towards the late winter Charles Parry (leader), Maurice Turner (assitant), sun. The trail was in great shape. We observed a Dana Helsley, Fred Coughlan, Mike Vaughn, few patches of snow trying to hang on the north Larry Austin side of the ridgeline. We all enjoyed the open and sloping rocks we walked across on the south side The day was cold, but sunny with very little wind, of the ridgeline. The wind was gusting from the so not a bad day to work. We worked on the south north, but not enough to dampen the spirits of the of the ridge just north of the first peak, putting in seven adventurous wanderers on this late winter more rock steps. In the morning we split into two trek. We all turned down the blue-blazed trail to groups of three people each, working on two sets Sarver Cabin Shelter. After a short break, we then of steps about 15 feet apart. Our group kept explored the grounds around the Sarver farm running into bedrock close to the surface and had before the steep descent on the yellow-blazed to work around it. By mid-afternoon, we had access trail. Many laughs were shared along the competed work in this area with about 20 new way and we finished the hike fairly early in the steps installed. We moved to a new location a afternoon. short distance south and started running into large boulders that would barely wiggle. After much digging and prying, we finally got them out using the come-along. By then it was close to quitting time and we had the trail all dug up. We put the Spring 2006 www.ratc.org RATC TRAIL BLAZER - 14

Sunday, February 26, 2006 1:00PM sky. The Catawba Valley trail is such a pleasant Bennett Springs Loop Hike # 2 trail, and so well designed, that even going up to Jean Warren (leader), Bobbie Stitcher (substitute the top of North Mountain was enjoyable. assistant), Sue & Rick Terrell, Ellie McFalls, Heading north on the North Mountain Trail, we Lynne & Bill Jacoby, Hooper the dog, Hugh Hall, had views on both sides: New Castle to our left, Charles Musgrove, Carole Crosby, Maurice and the to our right. We could see Turner, Mary Gilbert, Mary Harshfield, Vera smoke from the forest fire burning on the far side Hurst, Zetta Campbell, Jeanne Duddy, Rod Liebl of the Blue Ridge Parkway between Route 43 and the Peaks. Who in the world would have thought that "seventeen" people would show up for a 6-mile After crossing the road at Stone Coal Gap, we hike on a cold 35° F windy day? It was the started up Broad Mountain, stopping for lunch in a beautiful clear blue sky and sunshine that brought sunny spot about halfway up. At the top of Broad 'em out. Most of the hikers had never been on this Mountain, we turned left and soon were heading trail and it became a little more adventurous when down the opposite side of Broad Mountain to Lick the leader only made 1/2 mile (feeling under the Branch. Lick Branch was so low that at times it weather). Everyone made it out OK and a few disappeared altogether. Even so, it has some received a ride the last mile on the road. Even beautiful pools and falls. At the intersection of the though Zetta was the last one out, she chose to Lick Branch and Ferrier trails, we had been walk the last mile instead of taking a ride. What a lounging in the sun for a long time before tough lady! This is a pretty loop trail, overlooking suddenly noticing that we were sitting right in the Carvin’s Cove reservoir from a distance and midst of a large colony of trout lilies (a.k.a. untouched mountain ranges remaining void of dogtooth violet, even though it’s not a violet). The man's "progress". A special mention goes to the first wildflowers of this spring! two men at "Just the Right Gear" bike shop who were patient enough to write out entry passes for The hike ended at the end of the Lick Branch trail, everyone. Thank you all for coming. What a fun where we all piled into the van that Homer and group! Therese had left there the day before.

Sunday, March 5, 2006 8:00AM Sunday, March 5, 2006 1:00PM Catawba Valley Trail-Stone Coal Gap-Lick Roaring Run Branch Trail Sue Scanlin (leader), Georgia Gallaher (assistant), Homer and Therese Witcher (leaders), Kris Marianne Demkó, Carol Crosby, Hugh Hall Peckman (assistant), Carl Cornett, John Lynham, John Miller, Maurice Turner In spite of this having been a beautiful day to hike, only five of us accepted Mother Nature’s There aren’t many hikes where the leaders spend invitation. We had two meeting places, one at several days in advance of the hike preparing the Towers at 12:30 and one at the Daleville trail! We began to notice freshly-cut blowdowns commuter parking lot at 1:00 pm. That seems to right away, on the Catawba Valley Trail, but were work out fine. astonished to find that was only the beginning. The leaders had cut blowdowns on all 11 miles of Once at the trailhead, we followed the loop trail in the trails we used, and had even put new steps in a counterclockwise direction. It is such a pleasant one steep section! – short but sweet – hike that we met quite a few others enjoying the scenery and sounds of Roaring So when one of the leaders asked me, the assistant Run like we did. We stopped for a bite to eat, talk, who up till then had done nothing, to write the and explore leisurely at the top of the trail before hike report, how could I refuse? returning to our cars and heading back to Roanoke. The day was spectacular from start to finish. We had bright sunshine and perfect intense turquoise Spring 2006 www.ratc.org RATC TRAIL BLAZER - 15

A warm and sunny day, a nice group, and a couple of them for the first time. beautiful area all added up to a great time for all of us. On the way down we met several families with young children on their way up. We took the A.T. Sunday, March 12, 2006 8:00AM down to the Boy Scout Trail, then back to the Trout Creek (RT 620) to Dragon’s Tooth parking lot, where the guys were waiting, having Parking Lot, 113 Mile Hike # 6 already run the car shuttle. Kris Peckman (leader), H.R. Blankenship, Maya Bohler, Diana Christopulos, Jore Cooper, Carl Sunday, March 12, 2006 1:00PM Cornett, Ruth Johnson Montebello Fish Hatchery to Spy Rock Mike Vaughn (leader), David Sutton (assistant What a weird March day! The temperature went leader), Carole Crosby, Hugh Hall, Linda Sutton, up to the 80s. Kris’s bike-riding friends, Jore and Sheila Vaughn, Marsha Logwood, Mark Logwood, Ruth, having decided to do some hiking during the Emily Logwood, Marianne Demkó winter months, ended up joining us on a day that was more like summer. It was unusually warm for mid-March, 78 degrees and partly cloudy when we started out. The weather We started from Trout Creek, and most everyone report called for a good chance of thunderstorms in liked going in that direction, since the gentler trail the afternoon. After a steady climb of a mile and a going up more than compensated for the overall half up the access trail we reached the A.T. Since it elevation gain. Carl and H.R. spotted six deer was so early in the year there was very little new vegetation out. We headed north on the A.T. for running “60 miles an hour” on the trail going up to another half mile to reach Spy Rock. Spy Rock is a the ridge. We were impressed by the long rock large granite dome with a 360-degree view. To get wall and huge rock pile on the way up, as well. access to the top takes some hand over feet rock climbing. Emily, who is 10 years old, did the best Views were somewhat hazy but still good. job on the rock scrambling. We were rewarded with Despite the warm weather, there were no spectacular views all around. After we had been on wildflowers out yet. We ate lunch at the overlook the rock for about a half hour, we could see storm just before the intersection with the Dragon’s clouds coming in from the west, so we headed back Tooth blue-blaze, then the guys went on down the down. We got sprinkled on a little on the way trail while the ladies climbed up on the Tooth, a down to the cars, but everyone enjoyed the outing. .

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